What is the Martyrdom of Polycarp?

Answer

Polycarp (AD 69—156 or 157) was the bishop of Smyrna and one of the last living disciples of John the apostle. The only surviving writing by Polycarp is his epistle to the Philippians.

The Martyrdom of Polycarp is a letter penned by one of Polycarp’s followers to the church at Smyrna, where Polycarp served as bishop. The letter recounts Polycarp’s martyrdom for the sake of Christ, along with that of some others. This letter is relatively brief but widely regarded by scholars as generally accurate.

The Martyrdom of Polycarp commences with an explanation of the persecution and martyrdom of several Christians, including at least one individual who renounced their faith to avoid torture. During that time, Christians were coerced, under the threat of death, to deny Christ, acknowledge “Caesar is Lord,” and offer incense to the Emperor. One method of torturing/executing Christians was to subject them to attacks by wild animals in a public arena. Following the deaths of several Christians in this manner, the crowd demanded the execution of Polycarp.

Initially, Polycarp considered surrendering, but his companions urged him to hide or flee. Despite their efforts, he was eventually discovered and brought into the city. The following excerpts are from J. B. Lightfoot’s translation of the Martyrdom of Polycarp:

“He encountered Herod, the chief of police, and his father Nicetes, who took him into their carriage and attempted to persuade him, sitting beside him and saying, ‘What harm is there in declaring, Caesar is Lord, and offering incense,’ and similar appeals, ‘to save yourself?’ Initially, he remained silent. However, when they persisted, he replied, ‘I will not follow your advice.’

“Subsequently, failing to convince him, they issued threats and forced him to alight swiftly, causing him to injure his shin as he descended from the carriage.”

The carriage. And without even turning around, he went on his way promptly and with speed, as if nothing had happened to him, being taken to the stadium; there being such a tumult in the stadium that no man’s voice could be so much as heard” (Polycarp 8:2-3).

The letter then describes Polycarp’s final minutes: “But as Polycarp entered into the stadium, a voice came to him from heaven; ‘Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man.’ And no one saw the speaker, but those of our people who were present heard the voice. And at length, when he was brought up, there was a great tumult, for they heard that Polycarp had been apprehended.

“When then he was brought before him, the proconsul inquired whether he was the man. And on his confessing that he was, he tried to persuade him to a denial saying, ‘Have respect to thine age,’ and other things in accordance therewith, as it is their wont to say; ‘Swear by the genius of Caesar; repent and say, Away with the atheists.’ [Christians were called ‘atheists’ because they did not believe in the gods of Rome.] Then Polycarp with solemn countenance looked upon the whole multitude of lawless heathen that were in the stadium, and waved his hand to them; and groaning and looking up to heaven he said, ‘Away with the atheists.’

“But when the magistrate pressed him hard and said, ‘Swear the oath, and I will release thee; revile the Christ,’ Polycarp said, ‘Fourscore and six years have I been His servant, and He hath done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?’” (Polycarp 9:1-3).

Realizing that Polycarp would not recant, his captors threatened him with wild beasts. When that did not work, he was threatened with burning alive. That did not frighten him, either. (Earlier in the letter, Polycarp says that he had a vision of being burned alive.) A pyre was made, and the wood caught on fire but PPolycarp remained unharmed until a man stabbed him in the heart, causing a great gush of blood to extinguish the remaining flames. Following his fatal stabbing, his body was cremated.

“Blessed Polycarp was martyred on the second day of the first part of the month Xanthicus, on the seventh before the calends of March, on a significant Sabbath, at the eighth hour. He was captured by Herodes when Philip of Tralles was the high priest, during the proconsulship of Statius Quadratus, but in the reign of the Eternal King Jesus Christ. To Him belongs the glory, honor, greatness, and eternal throne, from generation to generation. Amen” Polycarp 21:1.

The origin of the letter is appended to the end of the account:

“Gaius transcribed this narrative from the writings of Irenaeus, a disciple of Polycarp. He also resided with Irenaeus.

“And I, Socrates, recorded it in Corinth from Gaius’s transcript. May grace be with all men.

“And I, Pionius, transcribed it again from the aforementioned copy, having discovered it (for the blessed Polycarp revealed it to me in a vision, as I will explain later), compiling it when it was nearly worn out by age, so that the Lord Jesus Christ may also gather me with His chosen ones into His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen” (Polycarp 22:2-4).

The Martyrdom of Polycarp serves as an inspiring encouragement for Christians today to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ despite threats or circumstances. It only takes a few minutes to read and is readily accessible online in various translations.